Many years ago I was inspired by the holy window 'Margaretenfenster', made in 1234. It can be found in the 'Stift Ardagger' in Lower Austria.

You can't imagine what kind of energy this window radiates. It has outlasted nearly 800 years and the colours of the window are still very vibrant.

And last year I started planning an art project including the 'Margaretenfenster'.

I was working for one week in the church beween the 'Margaretenfenster' and the altar this August. It was a combination between my painting process and a conversation with Jesus. He was very
happy about this dialogue and we both were able to learn a lot from each other. In the end I finished a very larce scale canvas with him.

It was a special and unique time for me to make this experience. Especially with the complete silence and to be by myself.

The preparations for my next exhibition at the Gallery Hollerei are finished. So I´ve got a bit of time on my hands to create new paintings for the next
collector. I´ve
been working on two canvases for some time now. During the night, I had a dream and a briliant idea. At 3 a.m. I shook up my wife and shouted: "I have to go and paint now, I´ve got a
dazzling idea!" She replied: "You´re crazy, it´s still dark. Tell me the idea and I remind you of it tomorrow morning." So I told her, but to be on the save side, I got up and wrote my idea on
the blackboard in the kitchen.

In the morning after my first coffee I disappeard into my studio upstairs and worked for several hours......

The Gallery Hollerei in Vienna was inviting me to read some texts by Andy Warhol and my own ones, written in New York between 2015 and 2017, during the Austrian 'Reading Day' on 15th March
2018.

The Austrian 'Reading Day' was taking place for the first time this year. The aim was to set a distictive sign for literature and reading. Furthermore, this project intends on helping children to
read regulary and to read to children. This should increase their education and development opportunities. Reading to children has shown a positive impact on them. Reading
might be the most important cultural technique, only who can read is able to participate in a modern society. Without reading citizen there is no democracy.

The Austrian 'Reading Day' is an initiative of the ECHO MEDIENHAUSE.

Margit Stolzlechner and Markus Grundtner were also reading at the Gallery Hollerei. It was an inspiring evening in a cosy atmosphere.

After a really exhausting week I longed for a relaxing weekend. I got myself comfortable on the sofa with my latest book purchase
“Die Biografie” of Gustav Klimt. After a couple of pages I felt I wanted to be very close to the artworks of the artist Gustav Klimt. I remembered, that the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna are
currently showing some of Gustav Klimt´s wall paintings. So I dragged my wife to the museum…...

The well known artist of the Jugendstil Gustav Kimt past away exactly 100 years ago in 1918. The Austrian Museum, Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, celebrates this anniversary with a special show.

In 1890, the “Art Compagnie” with Gustav Klimt, his brother Ernst Klimt and his college friend Franz Matsch got the commission to
create paintings between the intercolumns of the staircase in the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

12 meters above the ground on an special stairway you can admire the wonderful paintings of Gustav Klimt, Ernst Klimt and Franz
Matsch. The special thing of Gustav Klimt paintings compared to the paintings of Matsch and Ernst Klimt that Gustav Klimt developed a step toward modernity. This was the beginning of the decade
of Klimt´s famous “golden period”.

I came so close to Gustav Klimt, I could have imitated “THE KISS” with Gustav.

The project “Stairway to Klimt” is running until 2nd September 2018. Highly recommended.

My favorite painting from this serious: “ROMAN AND VENETIAN QUATTROCENTO”

Yesterday evening was the preview of the 17th Art Benefit Auction for the 'NEUNERHAUS' at the Kunstraum Wohlleb in Vienna.

More than 170 artists have donated a piece of their art. The raised contribution will support the work of the neunerhaus.

The neunerhaus is an aid organisation which enables unsheltered and homeless people an autonomous and self-sufficient life again. The Kunstraum Wohlleb provided the location
today for the preview. It's great to be able to be a part of it and support this good cause.

For me it is always touching to see of what kind of humans the artistic group is composed of. I am amazed how much creativity each of those participants has, if one brings it out of those buried
depths.

Consequently, a particular energy is emerging where all ideas are
implemented.

This is what some participants had to say....

FRANZISKA:

The course was really something special and you have been very inspiring and motivating.

Thank you so
much.

ANGELIKA:

I really enjoyed the course. You are an amazing teacher; you lead the
participants to top performances.

A course taught by you is a pure
joy.

MARGIT:

I am still awestruck by the course. You have such a nice manner and you teach in an uncomplicated and
unintrusive way.

Reinhold Ponesch is back in New York working on his next work series and is also writing for the Austrian newspaper "DER STANDARD" in a weekly online art blog about the New York art scene,
art fairs, exhibitions and artists.

The Viennese Museum 21er Haus shows a great exhibition of the famous Austrian artist Franz West. The unique character of this exhibition is that you can be a part of the art work and can use
and touch all the pieces. A special experience for all visitors! Unmissable! The show is running till 23rd April 2017, 21er Haus, Arsenalstraße 1, 1030 Wien.

The Art Fair ART AUSTRIA celebrated its tenth jubilee in a very special historical place at the Gartenpalais Liechtenstein in Vienna.

In advance my expectations were big for this art event. First of all, the idea to combine a Contemporary Art Fair with this hirstorical old building seemed to create an amazing atmophere.
Unfortunately, for me it was unsuccessful because, the boothes were very narrow to walk through. Often the same works and positions of art were displayed like at other Art Fairs in
Austria.

At latest I discovered a very interesting new art position at the gallery Kovacek & Zetter. They showed great works from the Austrian artist Roland Reiter. A sculpture of a big black woman
made of bronze with blond hair and another sculpture composed of skateboards stuck together. In a nutshell, I was so excited about his works. After an interesting talk with the artist
Roland Reiter I could leave the Art Austria happily.

The Austrian Lentos Museum in Linz showed a solo-exhibition of the diverse artist Gottfried Bechtold. He works with different materials and medias like film, video, photography, paintings and
skulptures.

He became famous with the concrete Porsche in the 70s. He made many projects in the public space, as well as a big sculpture in front of the Bregenzer Festspiele.

Summarized a fantastic solo exhibition about a long period of working.

The ART VIENNA opens its doors under the motto ' A JOUNG ART FAIR NEEDS CURRENT ART' for the first time.

Besides the established galleries, most of them showed very boring works, I discovered three new interesting galleries.

The best new approach for art for me was the gallery 'Aa collections' based in Vienna. They showed a great installation from the artist Neda Nicolic and another outstanding
installation from Loro Verz.

The gallery 'Weihergut' from Salzburg showed a tremendous collage from the Tyrolian artist Frei.

Fantastic exhibition opening "Böheimkirchen ist überall" 20th February 2017 at the Würth Art Room Collection in Böheimkirchen. It was a lovely homage to the great Austrian cartoonist who past
away in 2016. So many people attended the event. His dear friend and comedian Lukas Resetarits narrated some funny stories about Manfred Deix and himself. The governor of Lower Austria, Dr. Erwin
Pröll, opened the exhibition.

The artist couple Reinhold and Nicole Ponesch invited some friends to their studio party on 4th of December 2016 in Vienna. Everyone enjoyed the warm atmosphere with cakes,
Christmas cookies, coffee, sandwiches and wine. The guests were very excited by the contrabass Benny and the saxophonist Leo. Their live Jazz music was
amazing. Many people enjoyed the browsing in Nicole´s jewelry and Reinhold´s paintings. It was a great Sunday.

London other than New York, the most important city has one of the best art scene, called us to see the amazing exhibition at the Royal Academy "ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM".´It´s an obligation to
visit this extraordinary exhibition. All my expectations were exceed. There were works of the most famous American artists displayed, for example Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, William De
Kooning, Sam Francis, Clyfford Still, Mark Rothko, Robert Motherwell, Franz Kline, Joan Mitchell and many more.

My next great adventure was visiting the TATE MODERN. I was surprised by the presentation of there art program - have a look at the pictures below....

....and my third and most important happening was Nicole´s celebration of her birthday. She was the best guide to see the real London.

In 2017 I´m planning an art residency at the Royal Academy in London .

Celabrating the traditional Martini goose with the Austrian star chef Jürgen Csencsits in a very special atmosphere. Jürgen Csencsits created a delicious four course menu at the extraordinary
interior design establishment WOHNSALON.

Walter Unger and Melitta Becker-Unger gave us a very warm welcome with an aperitif and some canapés. We enjoyed the talks with very interesting people. Finally the whole society was curiously
waiting for the roastet goose of Jürgen Csencsits. And......our expections were definitely met. It was brilliant.

The prestigious gallery Ernst Hilger is presenting the "WORKS on PAPER" from 1983-2016 of the famous American artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel. This is the first time that
Julian Schabel´s enormous works are shown in Austria.

In 1975 Schnabel had his first solo exhibition at the Contemporary Arts Museum in Huston, Texas. And at the age of 30 he also had a solo exhibition at the Tate in London.

To admire are collages, mono prints as well as different graphic editions.

For me the most important works are the carbon prints on fibre paper, showing old German monuments like, Kölner Dom, Ritterburg and the Rhein. Unfortunately, there are only two original paintings
in the exhibition. All other works are prints. The best work for me is the unique collage "CHILDHOOD 2016".

Marting Kippenberger was born in 1953 in Dortmund, Germany and died in 1997 in Vienna, Austria. He was one of the most important, but at the same time a
controversal artist of the last century. He was for sure an exceptional artist, self-exposer and known as 'enfant terrible'.

Kippenberger left behind a diversified and complex work. He was experimenting with all kind of art forms: painting, drawing, objects, photography, installation and
perfomance. The only medium he didn't use was videos and video istallations.

The Kunstforum Bank Austria is currently presenting Martin Kippenberger's work, bringing to focus one of his preferred medium 'Language' in Vienna.

Yesterday, a guided tour through the exhibition took place with curator Lisa Ortner-Kreil and Martin Kippenberger's sister Susanne Kippenberger. It was one of
the best tours ever with very interesting and detailed narratives by Lisa Ortner-Kreil ,which were completed by personal details by his sister.

Yesterday was an interesting discussion 'RESEARCH FOR THE MUSEUM' at the Donau-Universität in Krems, Lower Austria.

On stage:

Christian Bauer: Art director of the State Gallery of Lower Austria

Anja Grebe: Head of Departments Art and Cultural Study of the Donau-Universität Krems

Armin Lausegger: Head of the State Collection of Lower Austria

Reinhard Spieler: Director of the Sprengel Museum in Hannover, Germany

Introduction and chair: Almuth Spiegler, Journalist 'Die Presse'

Krems is increasing it's appeal through the new State Gallery. At the same time research is essential for the insight and experience of the visitors. The Department of Art and Cultural Studies of
the Donau-Universität is immensely important for the museum as a central player. The State Collections of Lower Austria are as well concerned with comprehensive research assignments and appear
together with the Donau-Universität and the new State Gallery. Those task sharing and collaborations are crucial factors for the furture offering of this art location.

Today was the award show of the 2016 Kapsch Contemporary Art Prize at the MUMOK.

For the first time 10 art experts were suggesting 17 artists who were then applying for the art prize. An international panel including, MUMOK director Karola Kraus, Kapsch CEO Georg
Kapsch, curator of the Kunsthaus Bregenz Eva Birkenstock, director of the Museum Ludwig Yilmaz Dziewior and curator of contemporary art Lenbachhaus Munich Stephanie Weber were choosing this
years award recipient ANNA-SOPIE BERGER.

Also for the first time Kapsch AG and the MUMOK are awarding this prize together. The award should promote young artists who reside mainly in Austria and should provide their first international
appearance. Besides a prize money the recipient will receive a solo exhibition at the MUMOK in autumn 2016 and the Kapsch AG will acquire one painting for the MUMOK collection.

It was a great evening with new impressions and old memories, since I was fortunate to receive the award and design the Kapsch art calendar in 2012/2013.

Tonight was the preview of the 16th Art Benefit Auction for the 'NEUNERHAUS' at the Kunstraum Wohlleb in Vienna.

More than 170 artists have donated a piece of their art. The raised contribution will support the work of the Neunerhaus. The neunerhaus is an aid organisation which enables unsheltered and
homeless people an autonomous and self-sufficient life again. The Kunstraum Wohlleb provided the location today for the preview. It's great to be able to be a part of it and support this good
cause.

Yesterday was Werner Schreyer's opening of his solo exhibition at the HOLLEREI.

He is very well known as a fashion model and actor but less as a painter. Colourful and bright paintings were awaiting us. We fell in love with a series of small paintings. So much that we
acquired three of them.

I was lucky to be able to talk to him. He is such a humble, appreciative and great human being.

Fashion company 12 by 15 approached me to be part of a global project. International artists provide their artwork to be desplayed and worn as “art in the public space”. I have choosen for this
project two of my New York paintings, which are very close to my heart: “LISTEN TO MY HEART” and “YOU ARE SO VAIN”.

The T-Shirts are available for women and men in various sizes in the colors white, black and grey.

Today was the recording of Barbara Stöckl´s Night Talk Show! It was a unique experience to be part of the show. I had the pleasure to sit at the table with writer and journalist Juli Zeh, with
deputy governor of Lower Austria Johanna Mikl-Leitner and actor and director Karl Markovics.The show will be screened on Thursday 30th June 2016 on ORF 2 at 23 pm.

Backstage in the directors room

I had my own guest room, here with daughter Yasmin and my wife Nicole.

Yesterday, I was pleased to join the “Modern & Contemporary talk with Thomas P. Campbell”, director of the MET New York. He gave
an overview of the history and the future of the MET Museum New York. The director of the KHM, Sabine Haag, was opening the talk and discussion and she mentioned the good collaboration between
both museums. Many art interested people as well as many Americans and the American Ambassador Alexa Wesner were present.

Mana Contemporary building, a former tobacco warehouse, is now a collaborative community bringing together all forms of contemporary art.

www.mancontemporary.com

SARI LEVY was so kind to give us a privat tour through the exhibitons, I wanted to see. First stop was the Arnulf Rainer exhibition. Ayn Foundation presents 19 works, ranging from 1985
to 2000, a core selection of his cross and angel paintings.

Austrian Gallery Ernst Hilger shows the works of Alex Gingrow and Michael Scoggins. Large scale notebook with handwritten notes…

Next was the “The T´ang Horse”. An exhibition which contains own works by Antony Quinn and also pieces from his privat collection….

Our friend Stefan invited us for a tour through Tribeca, where he lives. The first stop was the “TWO HANDS CAFE” on 251 Church Street. We had a fantastic brunch, I can recommend the following:
Avocado smash on toast with a poached egg and sweet potatoes, waffle with bacon and a soft egg.

Afterwords we went to the Hudson River to admire the beautiful view of New Jersey.

Nicole liked one element of one of my New York paintings so much, that she asked me if I could paint it on a garment for her. Therefore, I chose a vintage military jacket and painted the desired
skull theme on it. Based on the overwhelming feedback I have now decided to create my own fashion brand.

If you fancy a healthy fast food than I can recommend THE HALAL GUYS on 53 St. 6th Ave.

Most of the time you have to wait in line, because the quality of the food and the price is very good. I chose the CHICKEN COMBO for $ 7, which was a combination of orange rice, fresh salad and
shredded chicken. You could also choose between a white dressing (like a joghurt – soya dressing) and a really hot chilli sauce. I chose the red chilli sauce and it was VERY HOT. In a nutshell,
very fresh food and the reasonable price makes the wait worth while. Everbody in New York knows THE HALAL GUYS and it should be on your to do list when you are in New York.

This was by far one of my highlights in New York. The first famous artist I met was Keltie Ferris. I met her again at the last Exhibition Opening at Michell-Innes & Nash Gallery in Chelsea.
She invited me to her studio in Brooklyn.

Yesterday, the 20th of February, I went to her studio. We had a great conversation. Keltie showed me the whole studio and also some amazing paintings she is working on.

She is an extraordinary artist and human being and very down to earth. Thank you Keltie for this wonderful time with you!!!

My Converse are not good for this kind of weather and my toes were frozen. I went immediately to Manhattan and bought some proper snow and winter shoes. I was not the only one with cold feet and
I had to wait in line for nearly 20 minutes to try on some shoes.

My special recommandation, even if it sounds odd, is to make one of the Chinese Tours leaving from Chinatown. A tour you should do at
least once in your lifetime. We booked a four-days tour to the Niagara Falls – Toronto – Ottawa – Montreal – Vermont.

When I´m not painting then I develop my own designs, currently for Converse and dresses.

Hot from the press, here are my uniqe Converse designed by myself. One pair for women and one pair for men. The design will only be featured on one side of each shoe (outside). All sizes
are available,

Women leather dress, white and black, size M, unipue design. Every dress is a one – of – a – kind.

Preparing for my Studio Exhibition, painting the walls, framing a painting and putting up the paintings for my big event.

Fantastic evening with great friends, artists and supporters. Thanks to everyone for coming and the wonderful feedback about my art. I
really appriciate the recognition I am receiving here in New York!

…it´s a must to see the works of Jackson Pollock at the MOMA Museum. This exhibition represents eleven works selected from the nearly
one hundred pieces owned by MOMA. The works, range from 1934-1954, are exploring Jackson Pollock´s groundbreaking contributions to the art of the 20th century.